Thursday Lates Presents… Kwame Koda

Thursday Lates Artist Info

Presenting Kwame Koda

Thursday, December, 7th, 2023

art & mind III

The Artist.

Trybe is proud to present ‘Art & Mind III’, a new solo exhibition by Kwame Koda.

Kwame Koda was born in Kumasi, Ghana, and from a young age, felt drawn to the magic of freezing moments in time through photography. Inspired by creatives such as Joshua Kissi and Tyler Mitchell, he honed his skills, diving headfirst into the vibrant world of visual storytelling.

What truly sets Kwame’s work apart is his trademark orange sun – a subtle yet profound symbol you’ll find across his work no matter the medium. The gradient, reminiscent of a setting sun, isn’t just a colour; it represents ambition, the audacious pursuit of greatness, and the belief that the extraordinary is within reach.

The sun becomes an integral motif in his art, evident even in mundane objects such as the traffic light. In his piece ‘Kodatime,’ he replaces the traditional amber hue with his orange, seamlessly integrating the sun’s influence into everyday elements.

Drawing inspiration from Claude Monet’s “Impression, Sunrise,” which popularised the use of colour contrast among impressionist artists, Koda’s works like “Suntopia” and “Suntopia-Art is the Answer” transport you to dreamlike worlds, depicting paradisiacal landscapes with vibrant orange suns against blue skies.

Koda’s work seamlessly navigates between surrealism and traditional photography, blurring the line between reality and imagination, often leaving viewers immersed in a world where distinguishing between the two becomes challenging.

His creative journey has taken him across the globe, exhibiting his works in galleries across Europe and the United States. Notable mentions in renowned publications like The Art Momentum x ArtxLagos, Kenga Magazine, and GQ South Africa underscore his growing influence in the art world.

Aside from his photography career, Koda has carved a distinct niche as a music video director and producer, collaborating with various Ghanaian, Nigerian, and international music artists. His portfolio boasts collaborations with notable names such as Stonebwoy, Not3s, Fameye, Kidi, Wendy Shay and Omah Lay, showcasing his versatility and multifaceted talents across various creative domains.

In Art & Mind III, we’ll transport you on a journey towards greatness- to a space where everyone is encouraged to think big, dream big, look up, walk forward, and always strive for greatness.

For Koda, the sky will never be a limit but an infinite canvas, urging everyone to reach for the sun instead.

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Follow him on Instagram: @kwamekodah

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All artwork is for sale. Please note that the prices on the day of the event are exclusive to the Thursday Lates event and may be different when purchased online and/or after the event.

The Art.

“Rugged”
In my Genesis, at my lowest, I define rugged as being clothed in rags but at the same time being strong. 
On the outside you may be clothed in rags, but with the renewal of one’s mind you can change your state for the better, a strong mind is capable of anything. Embrace your weakness, recreate yourself and change the narrative.

Lustre Paper, 23.4″ x 33.1″ (A1)
$650 (₵7805)
Edition: 4 of 5

“Sunset at the beach”

This is where it all begins. My journey begins at the shore. This is where I found my peace during my lowest moments. Watching the sunset late in the afternoon at the beach always had a calming effect on me. I aspire to touch the Sunset beyond the shore someday, the sky can’t be my limit.

Lustre Paper, 23.4″ x 33.1″ (A1)
$308 (₵3699)
Edition: 3 of 5

“Country Side”

This piece was inspired by a song called “Country Side” by Sarkodie and Black Sherif. I imagine being permanently situated by the Sunset at the beach. Some people want the house on the hill, I want the house at the beach front so that I may maintain my pursuit to the Sun and Greatness.

Lustre Paper, 23.4″ x 33.1″ (A1)
$250 (₵3001)
Edition: 1of 5

“SUNTOPIA – Art is the Answer”

Another extension of ‘SUNTOPIA, what is the purpose of Art?’ For me it’s an escape. Sometimes it’s a vision of what could become a reality. In my journey, I’ve found art to mostly be the answer to the majority of my problems, SUNTOPIA may only exist in my mind but I believe it will become a reality sometime soon.

Lustre Paper, 23.4″ x 33.1″ (A1)
$250 (₵3001)
Edition: 1of 5

“Freedom and Sunset”

I want my country to touch the Sun too. I believe we can fulfill our promise to hold in high esteem our heritage. It’s time for us to take our seat at the table of greatness, with freedom and a passion to excel. I believe in a Great Ghana.

Lustre Paper, 23.4″ x 33.1″ (A1)
$337 (₵4045)
Edition: 1of 5

“SUNTOPIA”

A universe where all your dreams come true, a city of Greatness. Welcome to my world.

Lustre Paper, 23.4″ x 33.1″ (A1)
$289 (₵3469)
Edition: 1of 5

 “SUNTOPIA – Sun Villa”

An extension of SUNTOPIA, I often find myself roaming in my mind and thoughts a lot, so in my unending pursuit of happiness, I decided to build a villa closer to the Sunset, where I could finally settle in.

Lustre Paper, 23.4″ x 33.1″ (A1)
$285 (₵3421)
Edition: 1of 5

“Koda Time”

It is your time to shine, discover happiness in the pursuit of greatness. Tomorrow is not promised, chase after the Sun today. Greatness awaits you. It is time, it is Koda Time!

Lustre Paper, 23.4″ x 33.1″ (A1)
$304 (₵3651)
Edition: 1of 5651

“I’m going somewhere”

Inspired by a TRAP song I heard by a friend. “I’m going somewhere, you’ll see”, I tell people around me. I know where I’m going, I’m going to the Sun, I’m going for greatness, beyond the sky, beyond the moon, I’m going somewhere.

Lustre Paper, 23.4″ x 33.1″ (A1)
$190 (₵2281)
Edition: 1of 5

“Touching the Sun – A Gift of Hope”
At last, I can finally touch the Sun, but wait! It burns; why does it cost so much to be great? I have come to understand happiness is only fleeting and the chase never ends. But then again the pursuit of happiness may be the only thing really fulfilling, it is more about the journey and not necessarily the destination. I may experience happiness every now and then, but I can forever pursue greatness.

Lustre Paper, 23.4″ x 33.1″ (A1)
$579 (₵6950)
Edition: 3 of 5

exhibition set up

The exhibition set-up is a collaboration between production designer JoJo Temmeng and Trybe.

 

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